Fossilized trunk and branch remains from the Mesozoic Era have been described under the genus Baieroxylon, a member of the Ginkgoaceae family. This genus existed for millions of years, spanning the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Its fossil records are globally distributed, indicating that these plants played a key role in diverse ancient ecosystems across both Gondwana and Laurasia.
As a fossil wood genus, the identification of this plant relies on anatomical details of its petrified secondary xylem. These microscopic wood structures show key characteristics of the Ginkgoales.
Fossils of this genus have been discovered in widely separated regions of the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Notable sites include the Santa Maria Formation in Brazil's Paleorrota Geopark, the Huincul and Rayoso Formations in Argentina, as well as sites in Chile and Germany.
The presence of these fossils in both South America and Europe demonstrates the vast geographical reach and adaptability of ginkgophytes during the age of the dinosaurs.
External Databases: GBIF
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